I have decided (long ago now!) to DEFINITELY purchase a Canon 60D but I am having massive problems choosing the best lens to buy to compliment it. The obvious options are the two kit options of 17-85mm IS USM and 18-135mm IS but I am happy to buy body only with a separate lens and wondered if there are better options / combinations available.

If not, which of the two kit lenses give better overall image quality or which would you recommend buying? I have read MANY reviews over many months but just can't decide!

My main priority is image quality over zoom range but wouldn't want to spend more than £1,150 for the lens / body combo.

The best general purpose lens is the 15-85 IS USM, its the ugraded 17-85.
If you have the cash and don`t mind the weight and size and if portrait and low light is a priority the 17-55 2.8 IS USM is an excellent choice, arguably the pick of the bunch.

But if money is a concern one of the best value for money and image quality packages is the 17-50 Tamron, the version without VC. The VC version is apparently less sharp.

If you need a second longer zooms, the 70-300 Tamron SP VC USD is excellent.

The Canon 15-85mm is a bit out of my price range (at £1,339 for the body and lens) which is a big shame as I have read and heard that it is a great lens. Is the image quality (on the 15-85mm) much of a step up from the 17-85mm IS USM?

I have read a lot of bad things about the reliability of the Canon 17-85mm IS USM which has made me a little worried about going for that one and contributed heavily to my indecision!

@Jiko, Hi, Thank you for your input. I have not seen that page / review before and it is clearly very good for comparisons!

@maxjj, it's a very fair point about the 600D. I have looked at both seriously and just feel that (amongst other factors) the 60D fits much better in the hand and the LCD with controls on the shoulder of the camera is something I think warrants the higher price. As I say, it is a fair point you made and going for a 600D would obviously free up money for a better lens...? As you can see i've been going in circles deciding!

If a camera feels a lot more comfortable for you, then get it.Comfort factor means that you will be more likely to take it with you.

If you cannot afford the 15-85mm now, then you have two options.1) Save up a little while longer till you can get it.2) Get something else instead.

If you have a budget, stick with it. Going over budget is not advisable as there is always another option that is just a little more expensive. I have fallen for this a few times myself.

I enjoyed my old 17-85mm while I had it. The 18-135mm looks to be a nice lens itself.Do you want a longer range or a faster focus?Answer that question, and you will know what lens you want.

If you cannot answer that, then pick the cheaper one.Chances are, whatever lens you get first will be replaced later on once you find out you enjoy photography.If you find you do not enjoy photography, then you will have saved yourself some money.

Later on, if you are enjoying whatever lens you get, then you might want to consider trying a 50mm prime.The 50mm f/1.8 is cheap and gives great results, while the 50mm f/1.4 USM gives slightly better results, faster focusing, better build quality, and more light intake for three times the cost.

Another option is to just rent either the body and the lenses, or buy the body and rent some lenses till you decide which one you want.